Battle for 1st Place Awaits Lions, Colts
- Updated: June 3, 2017
Photo credits: Chris Aduama/aduamaphotography.com and Hartford City FC
The top two teams in the NPSL Atlantic White Conference square off Sunday when Hartford City travels to Malden, Mass. to face Boston City FC.
The game is critical for both teams, as the top of the division table is tight with four teams within one point of the lead. Boston City and Hartford City are tied at the top spot with a 2-0-2 record, though Boston City’s goal differential (+7) is comfortably ahead of Hartford (+4). Right on their heels are the Kingston Stockade and the Rhode Island Reds, who both have 2-1-1 records.
Hartford City – also known as the Colts – held the top spot prior to last weekend, but the Lions leapfrogged Hartford City through goal differential, thanks to a 6-1 victory over the Seacoast United Phantoms.
“This will be a great match for all soccer fans to attend and enjoy,” said Boston City FC coach Palhinha in a press release. “We are excited to play a team that is already among the contenders in our division.”
Boston City has overcome injuries in recent weeks, with captain Ronaldo Vieira, midfielder Homero Morais, and goalkeeper Vitor Scariot all missing last week’s match against Seacoast United Mariners, but are expected to be available for the squad for this weekend’s clash. They look to support striker Jhonata Batista, who leads the team in scoring with seven goals between league and U.S. Open Cup play, including a hat-trick last weekend.
Hartford City joined the NPSL this season and made a strong impression right away, notching a pair of two-goal victories over Kingston Stockade and Seacoast United Mariners, but have settled with a pair of draws over the past two weeks. Forward Luke Alvaro leads the team with three of the team’s eight goals this year, including both goals in a 2-2 draw against Stockade last weekend.
Boston City will look to take advantage of tired legs as Sunday’s tie will be the second match in back-to-back days for Hartford City, who will kick off against Seacoast United Mariners this Saturday at 2 pm.
The match will take place at Malden Catholic High School. Kickoff for the match is at 6:00 pm.
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